Our physical health is deeply tied to the social equity of our environments. In this topic, we examine how life’s heaviest challenges affect our biology, focusing on the concept of allostatic load—the physiological wear-and-tear caused by chronic environmental pressure. You will analyze how culture shapes the way we appraise life events and explore the intersection of genes and hormones under conditions of adversity. We will look at systemic factors such as perceived discrimination, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), alongside a focused look at gender minority stress and health disparities in transgender populations.
